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Travelers wanting to experience the “real” Maldives by living on an inhabited island, but wish to stay away from the rush of Malé, should look into Maafushi.
Situated in Kaafu Atoll, Maafushi has the most guesthouses in the country and is a convenient 45-minute speedboat ride away from the capital. Home to roughly 3000 permanent residents, the island has transformed into a haven for backpackers offering excellent infrastructure in terms of accommodation, restaurants, and activities.
When planning a trip to the Maldives, it is definitely worth spending a few days in Maafushi. And in case you are wondering what else the island has to offer besides pocket-friendly guesthouses, here are some incredible things to do in Maafushi during your holiday.
Go fishing
Fishing is as integral a part of the Maldivian lifestyle as tourism, and what better place to indulge in it than on an inhabited island. There are three ways to go fishing in Maafushi.
The conventional way is to hire a boat that takes you into the open waters for big game fishing. While there are limited options on Maafushi, your guesthouse should be able to arrange for a big game fishing trip from a nearby resort.
Another fishing opportunity is through the pole and line method. Locals use this technique to catch tuna in particular. You can hop a ride on a fishing boat and spend a few hours observing and practicing the skills needed to be proficient in catching fish.
Tourists in Maafushi mostly go with reef fishing done with hand lines. Since nets are not allowed, hand line fishing is a favorite with the residents.
An essential thing to do in Maafushi is to go night fishing. Boats pick you in the evening, anchoring at places known to have various fish in abundance. Guests then attach bait to the line, dropping it into the sea, hoping they catch a few fish. The tour costs around $30 and lasts up to three hours. The best part of the entire experience is the barbeque at the end, consisting of the fresh fish you’ve just caught.
Take an island day-trip
One incredible thing to do in Maafushi is to leave it… just for a day trip to a nearby island. Because of Maafushi’s proximity to Malé, you can visit the capital for an excursion by taking a speed boat or the public ferry.
When spending a day in Malé, remember to visit the fish market, the stunning Old Friday Mosque, and take a submarine tour to explore the surrounding reefs.
The other islands to visit from Maafushi are Guraidhoo and Gulhi. Guraidhoo is a famous surfing spot but sees little tourist traffic due to its limited infrastructure.
Gulhi, on the other hand, is gaining fame, with travelers preferring to stay on the island for its laidback natural environment. A speedy boat ride will take you to Gulhi from Maafushi, where you can spend the day at its spectacular Bikini Beach.
Enjoy water sport activities
There is no shortage of water sports across the Maldives, be it on a resort or inhabited island. So why is it a must-do activity in Maafushi?
That’s because Maafushi is one of the cheapest islands when it comes to booking water sports. Whether it is a banana boat ride, a jet ski rental, cruise on a dhoni, windsurfing, parasailing, or paddleboarding, you can do it all for an economical price.
In fact, if you plan to partake in multiple water sport activities, book a package with one of the operators near the beach, as it tends to be cheaper. Also, feel free to bargain a little for the best price possible.
Spotting a dolphin during a cruise in the Maldives
Chase a dolphin
Dolphins are beloved sea creatures that everyone, from children to adults, loves to watch as they jump in and out of the water. In Maafushi, you’ll find several dolphin cruises on offer, ranging in price and time based on inclusions.
As is the case with most sightseeing tours in the ocean, no one can guarantee if you will come across a particular marine animal. The same is true with dolphins, but the locals do know the best places to find them.
To avoid disappointment, you should take a cruise that includes more than just observing dolphins. At around $40, you can easily book a three to four-hour trip that consists of a stopover at a sandbank, snorkeling at two locations, and, if you are lucky, a thrilling “dolphin chase.”
Visit a floating bar
The floating bar is one of the must-do things in Maafushi simply because of its uniqueness. As you might already know, the Maldives is a strict Muslim country where alcohol is not permitted on any inhabited islands. Maafushi gets to be the only exception, of sorts, because of the floating bars that dock in the open waters near the island.
The safari boats don’t have much pomp and glamour, but they serve the purpose of allowing international visitors a chance to drink a beer or a few while staying in Maafushi. Pickup and drop are free, and a drink will cost you upward of $6, which is still cheaper than a drink at a resort.
The floating bars are quiet during the day, perfect for a relaxing afternoon drink. The evenings are more alive as the safari boats usually have a DJ and karaoke dance party to make it into an entertaining event.
Spend a day in a luxury resort
Budget travelers staying in Maafushi who want to get a glimpse of the Maldivian resort experience can actually spend a day on a private island for a fee. These tours leave Maafushi in the morning and last for half or a full day.
Among the popular luxury resort day-trips leaving Maafushi are the ones to Anantara Dighu, Olhuveli Beach and Spa, Centara Ras Fushi, and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. A tour’s cost can range from $100 to $200, depending on what’s included.
Typically, the fee factors in transportation to the resort, entrance, sunbeds, umbrellas, towels, and soft drinks. The higher priced tours have added benefits like unlimited alcoholic drinks, water sports, and a lunch buffet. Many times, the day trip will also include a stop at a sandbank en-route to the resort.
Aerial view of Bikini Beach in Maafushi, Maldives
Dive and Snorkel
In all honesty, snorkeling is an activity you can do for free in the Maldives, let alone Maafushi. All you require is snorkel gear, and you can start exploring the waters near Bikini Beach without having to spend any money.
Still, it is worth taking a diving or snorkeling tour in Maafushi to discover some of the more vibrant and active spots near the island. A $30 snorkeling trip lasts just under five hours and will take you to Nemo Point, Turtle Reef, and Palm Reef, places with a high marine life concentration.
Similarly, there are plenty of dive centers in Maafushi that can arrange for a spectacular dive excursion for beginners and professionals. Among the top diving spots near Maafushi are Cocoa Corner, Kandooma Thila, Miyaru Faru, and Kuda Giri, one of the best wreck dives in South Malé Atoll.
Relish a sunset or a sunrise on the beach
Maldivian sunsets are romantic, artistic, and quite simply awe-inspiring. Watching the sunrise in the Maafushi is no different. While the excitement and adventure of the previous day might make you stay in bed for a little longer, it’s worth getting up early to admire the stunning glamour of the rising sun.
The perfect place to do so on the island is at Bikini Beach. Interestingly, sunrise is also the time when you’ll find this otherwise crowded stretch of sandy heaven to be secluded. Complete your morning by having a hearty Maldivian breakfast at a nearby café, and you are all set for the day. Of course, don’t forget to come back in the evening to capture the magnificent brilliance of a dreamy sunset.
N.B.:all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.
